RLB Blog

RLB LLP NAMED ONE OF FIVE CANADIAN "BEST OF THE BEST" FIRMS BY INSIDE PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Ontario Agriculture Week gave us an opportunity to recognize the hard work, innovation, and resilience of farmers across our province. It also served as an important reminder of the increasing complexity of running a successful agricultural business, from rising input costs and labour challenges to fluctuating markets and succession considerations.

A performance review should summarize an ongoing conversation, not create a once-a-year surprise.

RLB is celebrating our 75th anniversary in 2026! What better way to celebrate than with a huge Block Party with the people who are most important to us. 

For many years, Ontario employers have faced significant challenges with termination clauses in employment contracts. Well-drafted agreements, carefully prepared by experienced legal professionals, were being contested by courts over single words or phrases that judges interpreted as potentially violating the Employment Standards Act. This left many businesses vulnerable to costly wrongful dismissal claims, even when they believed their contracts were strong. But in August 2026, the Ontario Court of Appeal announced a decision that changed how employment contracts are enforced in Ontario.

A family-business succession plan may take years to develop. The successor is chosen, ownership arrangements are set and a transition date is selected. But approving the plan is only the beginning.

Growth is an exciting milestone for any business. It often means increased demand, new opportunities, and a chance to expand your impact. But growth can also bring new challenges, particularly when it comes to people, leadership, and organizational structure. 

A mid-year review of workplace policies is an effective way for Ontario employers to confirm that their documentation remains current, compliant, and aligned with workplace practices. Policies created several years ago may no longer reflect current legislative requirements, operational changes, or day to day organizational practices, as updates in legislation, staffing, scheduling demands, and informal practices can create a gap between written expectations and what happens in practice.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has granted the mutual fund industry a reprieve on one of the year’s most significant tax changes. After months of industry consultation and concern about implementation timelines, CRA has indicated that it will postpone enforcement of GST/HST on mutual fund trailing commissions, originally scheduled to begin July 1, 2026.

Artificial intelligence is no longer an unfamiliar concept to society. Today, AI tools are changing how small and medium-sized businesses operate. In human resources, for example, AI can assist with nearly every function. However, AI's potential is significantly underutilized in many organizations, not because the technology isn't available, but because HR professionals haven't received the proper training to use it effectively.